Changed my mind on rear tire size

[trapshooter2]

I've decided I don't want to run a radial on the rear and a bias tire on the front so am thinking of going to a Metzler 880 in size 160/80/16. This would allow me too use matching tires on front and rear (they make a 150/80/16 for front in 880). Also this would help to slow my speedometer down a little as it is five miles an hour fast now. Also I noticed Dunlop also makes tires in this size. Anyone see a problem with using the rear tire size of 160/80/16? Thanks for all your help. Tom

I've have a 2005 Nomad.

I've decided I don't want to run a radial on the rear and a bias tire on the front so am thinking of going to a Metzler 880 in size 160/80/16. This would allow me too use matching tires on front and rear (they make a 150/80/16 for front in 880). Also this would help to slow my speedometer down a little as it is five miles an hour fast now. Also I noticed Dunlop also makes tires in this size. Anyone see a problem with using the rear tire size of 160/80/16? Thanks for all your help. Tom

I've have a 2005 Nomad.


I'm running the 160/80/16 ME 880 on my '99.... it's the biggest mine will take. Came stock with 150/80/16's front and back.


I'm not sure the 160/80/16 is taller than the 170/70/16.... did you check?

[Yellow Jacket]

Hey Trapshooter 2,

The Vulcan 2000 has the same front tire size (150/80-16) as the Nomad. However, it is a Bridgestone radial.

So, if you don't feel good about mixing bias and radial you might consider putting the ME 880 radial on the back and the Bridgestone radial on the front.

Just an idea.

[blowndodge]

Yes it's a little taller. 1/2" or so...

[chmorro]

Anyone know where the cheapest place is to purchase the ME 880 160/80 and 150/80 set? Also, it's probably been asked a million times, but was is a biased tire? And how is it compared to a radial?

[nomaddon]

Try www.bikebandit.com (http://www.bikebandit.com)

They carry most all brands of tires at reasonable prices.

I'm looking at the Maxxis 150/80-16 WWW and Metzeler's WWW (same size) for both the front and rear of my Nomad.

Yes it's a little taller. 1/2" or so...


160 X .80 = 128

170 X .70 = 119

9 mm

9 X 2 = 18

1.8 cm

ok... guess you're right

over 1/2 in


you so smart

[Yellow Jacket]

Anyone know where the cheapest place is to purchase the ME 880 160/80 and 150/80 set? Also, it's probably been asked a million times, but was is a biased tire? And how is it compared to a radial?

Hi chmorro,

A bias ply tire has the cords which run from one bead to the other bead going across on an angle while a radial bias tire has the cords running straight across from one bead to the other.

[rewindgy]

Avon Venom 160 80 16 - for the Goldwing 1500 - fits like a glove - handles real good - has more tread depth than Metzler ( even though I am a Metzler fan) so far really nice handling tire

[naugaman]

I bought my Metzler tires from the local Kawasaki dealer. The price of the tires were just about as much if I ordered them. No shipping costs and free install seemed a better deal. I am also running the taller rear. That with the speed healer, my GPS tells me I am just 4 tenths off of being right on for speed. I have the 05 bike.

[trapshooter2]

Thanks to all for your comments. I've decided to go with the 160/80/16 Avon Venom rear tire and later I can match it up with a front Avon tire when the time comes. I'll see what kind of mileage I'll get with the Avon and can always try the Metzler later if need be. Few years back I tried Avon's on my Harley and was not happy with them. They wore quickly and and very uneven. They may be different now. Thanks so much for your help. This is a great site.

[blowndodge]

Don't forget to report back and let us know trapshooter2